Westchester: 1780 Spy Country

The east side of Westchester county saw its struggles and skirmishes during the Revolutionary War. Not far away, though, Patriot hope for a complete break with Great Britain almost took a direct hit from a treasonous plot of intrigue.

During September 1780, just four-plus years since the Declaration of Independence was ratified by the Continental Congress, American General Benedict Arnold's plot to turn over the plans to West Point to the British was revealed when his counterpart, British Major John André, was captured in Tarrytown. One of the world’s most infamous acts of treason took center stage throughout Westchester County. The series of events could have ended the war abruptly and crushed the new nation.

Revolutionary Westchester 250 (RW250), under the leadership of President Constance Kehoe, is Westchester County’s commitment to remembering the local events and people associated with the American Revolution in accordance with the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016. With the upcoming observation of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America during 1776, many local events preceding, during and after the Revolutionary War will be recognized by RW250.

“RW250 is collaborating with local and regional groups to promote heritage tourism and to enhance the experience of the war for independence for Westchester residents,” said Kehoe, a resident of Irvington. “We are working with heritage and historic, art and cultural, and educational organizations along with libraries, veterans’ organizations, municipalities, private businesses and others to commemorate Westchester County’s contribution to the 250th anniversary of the founding of this great country. Treason and a spy – and, thankfully, quick-thinking Patriots – in our midst are part of our story.

“With the legislation recently passed in Albany creating a 250th Commission, the State of New York will join other states in the national plans for the 250th commemoration,” added Kehoe. “As the legislation points out, New York played a leading role in the struggles in the ensuing nearly 250 years to more fully realize - for all groups - the ideals of the revolution. Those ongoing movements will be an important part of the commemoration as well.”

This Man’s A Spy

Recognizing the people, events and sites related to what General George Washington described as “treason of the blackest dye,” RW250 is launching an aptly named initiative – This Man’s A Spy. The effort will create community awareness, understanding and enthusiasm for the historical significance of this critical event in U.S. history through a variety of public outreach programs.

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See the This Man's A Spy announcement here. See RW250's video about the plot here.

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“We will cooperate with local volunteer groups at the events in Westchester and important sites in the other counties,” said Lynn Briggs, co-chair of This Man’s A Spy and a member of the Yorktown Heritage Preservation Commission. “We will collaborate with volunteers to design, plan and execute projects that acknowledge and interpret the plot through a variety of colonial era demonstrations, mobile applications, art, music, presentations, re-enactments, theatrical plays, driving, walking and biking tours, and videos.”

This Man’s A Spy will feature stories about the Patriots of Westchester County who primarily were responsible for the capture of André and foiling Arnold’s plot. If Arnold’s plan had been successful, the loss of West Point could have led to an American defeat.

“We are working with people who reside in the communities where the André-Arnold Affair occurred,” added Bob Fetonti, co-chair of This Man’s A Spy and a volunteer for the Westchester County Historical Society. “We are historians, teachers, authors, municipal leaders and preservationists who are passionate about our history and wish to make people aware of the historic events which occurred in their community and the importance of Westchester County in the American effort to win the Revolution.”

Programs will continue during the 250th nationally planned commemorative year of 2026 and then through 2033 to mark the full eight years of the American Revolution (1775-1783) that includes the anniversary of the betrayal.

This Man’s A Spy welcomes the involvement of all Westchester County organizations and individuals interested in the county’s history to assist in the planning and oversight of programs, and to share local and family stories related to the people, places and events associated with this significant historical event. Anyone who wishes to contribute to the preservation and interpretation of this critical period of local history should email ThisMansASpy@yahoo.com .